Hello Alamo!
Most of you know, thanks to a news release shared the 12th, that downtown will be closed-AGAIN- from tomorrow until Friday to install an overhang over the intersection of 9th Street and New York Avenue. People are justifiably upset about losing access to those shops the crucial shopping week before Christmas.
Here’s what I know.
The project was initially going to take until June to complete, so yes, we should be grateful that the contractor sped up their timeline. According to the acting City Manager Stephanie Hernandez and Alamogordo Mainstreet Director Nolan Ojeda, they have been very accommodating to those merchants over the duration of this project.
I also know that the small businesses downtown have been hurting for over a year because of the street being blocked off. Hurting them again right now is the worst possible timing, all for an overhang..
According to Ojeda, the issue isn’t with the City, it is indeed scheduling between the contractor and sub-contractor, despite trying to negotiate for a later date in January.
As much as I am disheartened about this whole thing, I really don’t think there is much anyone can do about it except to get the word out about the parking along those streets. There is a decently-sized parking lot across Delaware Ave., there is a parking lot directly behind the 900 block alleyway, and there is some parking next to the Inkwell Innovation Center, if you’re up for a bit of a walk. As has been the case the entire past year and a half, those businesses are in fact OPEN for us. I will update as I find out more….
Update: as it turns out, we’ve been enough of a thorn in their side to accommodate the businesses; I know I’ve been calling and researching a good chunk of the morning. Good job team!
The official news release is attached below.
Happy prep week before Christmas, and
Salud!
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